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What people say about retreats here

I am grateful beyond words for the remarkable work of Caitríona and Michele. No spiritual teachers I know bring a broader, more relevant range of knowledge, experience, and well-honed skills for awakening us to fullness of being. While thoroughly schooled in ancient traditions, their work is fresh and bold, igniting both courage and joy for meeting the challenges of today’s world. For over a decade my own life and teaching has been enriched by their adventurous creativity and passionate respect for life.
Joanna Macy, activist, teacher, and author of “World as Lover, World as Self” and “Coming Back to Life”, and co-founder of the Buddhist Peace Fellowship



…hey folks, these Buddhist teachers are amazing. They’ve helped me fuse my spiritual practice with my work for justice and liberation… and through this, have helped me to understand the world and my place in it. I urge you to come check this out… it’s beginner-meditator friendly and guaranteed to rock your world (if you’re open to being rocked). Neelam Pathikonda Los Angeles



there is a gentle interplay between these teachers and a breath of knowledge and a depth of love they share . . The flow in their work is amazing, and their teaching is very deep Wanda Fox Oakland




I love the land here. The chaparral forest, on desert’s edge, beneath countless stars is itself a teacher. Lawrence Ellis, Lawrence Ellis Associates Oakland



I now have an understanding of what Buddhist practice fused with concern for social justice can be. And I have a sense of what Buddhist space for people of color and white people conscious about, and struggling against racism, feels like. Eric Roman



I love the way the Dharma is presented—practical, relevant, deep, creative and playful-all at the same time . . . Retreat participant



the quiet beauty of the setting, and the grace and support of the participants reminded me of how wonderful life can be. I can’t imagine anyone not being touched by the community of kindred spirits I encountered here . . . Participant at a Circles Retreat~Conference



Both of you, Michele & Caitríona, have integrity to the max. You create peace, and are peaceful – firm without rigidity, yielding without weakness – incredible modeling for how to live in balance in an unbalanced world. Penny Post Massachusetts



Only people who have owned their dark nights, their sadness, shame and anger can create the space for TRUE tangible acceptance like you two amazing souls have done. I have been in this ‘self-help-transformation’ business for over twenty years and you are up there with the very best. Thank you for all the beauty you have co-created with the universe. Rev. Elizabeth O’Day Salt Lake City


Caitriona and Michele are two of the most gifted teachers I have ever met. I have studied extensively with them for nearly 10 years, and have seen their skills and creativity expand in amazing directions during this time. ..as well as my own! I actually took their Meditation for Beginners class three times, because I felt there was still so much I could learn from just that course alone. Over the years I have studied with many teachers, but feel most at home at Manzanita Village.

Their unique approach is well-rooted in traditional Buddhist teachings (Vipassana, Mahayana, Zen), while also integrating the best of NLP, eco-feminism, creative expression, coaching and hypnotherapeutic techniques. They understand that one size and/or one approach does not fit all, and will help tailor a practice to best suit your needs.

I have recommended their workshops, classes and retreats to everyone I know, and have given their 30 Pressing Questions e-course as a gift as well. We are extremely fortunate to have them here in Southern California.

Simply put, if you want to be challenged in your spiritual practice, and particularly if you view yourself as a creative thinker/non-conformist/poet or artist of any kind……you need to check them out. You won’t be disappointed! Tabitha Fronk. Artist. Art Therapist.

. .inspiring intersection of spiritual practice teachings and socially engaged/activism ideas . . . Retreat participant